When the UK summer rolls in, I often find myself with an overflowing basket of plums — too many to eat before they spoil.

Instead of letting them go to waste, I’ve learned to freeze plums the right way, so I can enjoy their juicy flavour all year round.

In this guide on how to freeze plums, I’ll show you the top 4 methods I’ve used to successfully freeze plums, depending on how I plan to use them later.

What to Know Before Freezing Plums?

How To Choose the Right Plums?

If you’re planning to freeze plums, choosing the right ones is essential. I always go for plums that are:

• Firm but ripe

• Free from bruises or soft spots

• Clean and dry

Overripe plums may seem tempting, but they tend to become mushy once thawed, so I set those aside for stewing instead.

Wash and Prepare Properly

I make sure to wash the plums thoroughly in cold water and pat them dry with a clean towel. It’s also important to remove any stems. Clean fruit freezes better and retains its quality for longer.

Whole vs. Halved or Sliced Plums

Both whole and sliced plums can be frozen, but each has its pros and cons. I freeze whole plums when I’m short on time or planning to stew them later.

But if I know I’ll want to bake with them or make smoothies, halving or slicing them before freezing saves time later.

Top 4 Ways to Freeze Plums (Suitable for UK Kitchens)

1. Whole Fruit Freezing (Simplest Method)

This method is perfect for when I just want to get it done quickly:

• Wash and dry the plums.

• Leave them whole or remove the stems.

• Place them in freezer-safe bags or containers.

• Seal, label with the date, and freeze.

While this is the easiest approach, the plums can be tricky to pit once frozen. Still, it’s a good option if I plan to stew or blend them later.

2. Flash-Freezing Halved or Sliced Plums

If I want to use plums gradually — say, for baking or in smoothies — this method works brilliantly. It prevents them from sticking together.

Here’s what I do:

• Slice the plums in halves or quarters and the detach the stones from it.

• Spread them out on a baking tray in a single layer, making sure the pieces don’t touch.

• Freeze for 2–4 hours until firm.

• Transfer into freezer bags or containers, seal, and store.

This approach makes it easy to grab only what I need later, without having to defrost a big lump of frozen fruit.

3. Freezing Plums in Syrup or Sugar Pack

When I want to retain the best flavour and texture for desserts, I go for the syrup pack method. It takes a bit more effort, but the results are worth it.

Steps I follow:

• Pit and slice the plums.

• Prepare a light sugar syrup by dissolving 1 part sugar in 4 parts warm water, then cool it down.

• Add plum slices to containers and pour the syrup over them.

• Leave some headspace (about 1cm) to allow for expansion.

• Seal tightly, label, and freeze.

This is my go-to when I’m freezing plums for crumbles or cobblers in winter.

4. Stewed or Cooked Plums for Freezer Storage

If my plums are too ripe or starting to soften, I stew them first. This also makes things really convenient when I want to throw together a quick dessert later.

Here’s how I do it:

• Cut and pit the plums.

• Gently stew with a splash of water and optional sugar until soft.

• Let them cool completely.

• Store in freezer-safe tubs or resealable bags.

I usually freeze this as a fruit compote or base for crumble fillings. It’s such a time-saver when I want to whip something up quickly.

How Long Can You Freeze Plums?

Here’s a comparison of how long each method keeps well in the freezer:

To maintain quality, I keep my freezer at -18°C and label everything with dates.

How Should You Use Frozen Plums?

When I take frozen plums out of the freezer, how I use them depends on how I froze them:

• For smoothies: Use slices straight from frozen.

• For baking: Halved or syrup-packed plums go perfectly in pies and cakes.

• For sauces and jams: Cook them directly from frozen — no need to thaw.

• For snacking: Flash-frozen plum slices are lovely and refreshing, especially in summer.

I avoid using defrosted plums raw — the texture just isn’t the same as fresh.

Which Freezing Method is Best for You?

Here’s how I choose the method, depending on what I need:

• If I want speed and simplicity, I go with whole plums.

• When I need to portion out plums easily, flash-freezing slices is ideal.

• For rich flavour and smoother texture, I opt for syrup-packed plums.

• And when I have very ripe fruit, I stew it before freezing.

What are the Benefits of Freezing Plums at Home?

I’ve found that freezing plums isn’t just convenient — it’s also incredibly rewarding. Here’s why I make it part of my seasonal routine:

• Reduces food waste

• Saves money by preserving seasonal UK fruit

• Allows me to enjoy plums throughout the year

• Makes baking and dessert prep much easier

Conclusion

Freezing plums at home is simple, satisfying, and seriously useful. Whether I’m freezing them whole or preparing a sweet syrup pack, I always find a method that suits my needs.

If you’re new with how to freeze plums, I suggest experimenting with a couple of methods to see what works best for your kitchen. With the right approach, you’ll never have to say goodbye to the taste of summer again.

Related Article: When Are Plums Ready to Pick in the UK? A Seasonal Guide from My Orchard

FAQs on How To Freeze Plums in the UK

1. Can you freeze plums with the stone in?

Yes, you can freeze plums with the stones in. I’ve done it when I’m in a rush. Just be aware that the stone becomes harder to remove once frozen, so it’s more convenient to pit them first.

2. Do I need to blanch plums before freezing?

No, blanching isn’t needed. Plums freeze well raw. Just wash, prep, and freeze using your chosen method.

3. What’s the best way to thaw frozen plums?

I usually thaw them overnight in the fridge or use them directly from frozen in cooking or baking. Avoid defrosting on the counter for too long.

4. Can I freeze Victoria plums or damsons using these methods?

Absolutely. These methods work just as well with Victoria plums, damsons, greengages, and other UK varieties.

5. How can I prevent freezer burn on my frozen plums?

I always use airtight containers or resealable freezer bags and try to remove as much air as possible. Labelling with a date also helps me use them in time.